Buzzwords are often used to create hype and to sell a product or company. When it comes to job postings, hiring managers may try to paint their organisation in a positive light by using certain words and phrases to capture candidates’ interest.

In reality, however, they may be doing the exact opposite: some of these can discourage even the most qualified applicants.

Resume-building platform StandOut CV recently conducted a poll revealing some of these potentially off-putting expressions, having surveyed 1,092 respondents about the most concerning “icks” they have encountered while on the job hunt.

Here are nine catchphrases and buzzwords in job postings that may well turn out to be red flags.

1. ‘Winner’s mindset’

While some employers might use this term to filter out applicants who are not prepared to go above and beyond, it could actually have the opposite effect. They might expect every employee to give their all without expecting anything in return, ultimately creating a demanding and stressful work atmosphere.

Companies may also employ the “winner’s mindset” to fire workers who refuse to accept an overworked and underpaid position, leading to a higher turnover rate.

2. ‘Hustle’

Not to be confused with “side hustle”, this refers to a “living to work” mentality, which is unsustainable and can result in severe burnout.

Working hard at the expense of health, wellbeing and happiness should not be your priority. Companies should instead foster an environment that emphasises work-life balance, as fulfilled and well-rested employees are far more productive.

3. ‘Work hard, play hard’

Similarly, this expression may suggest a challenging workplace that provides little to no escape from the duties connected – or even unrelated – to one’s role.

Again, balance is key, which is why many workplaces are shifting towards a hybrid structure that allows staff to spend productive hours at home or offsite, as well as on the premises.

4. ‘Fast-paced environment’

Thinking of joining a company that emphasises “fast-paced work”? Be warned – you might have to put in long hours in a stressful environment, where making rapidfire decisions and completing tasks quickly may come at the expense of your mental and physical health.

5. ‘Wear many hats’

The last thing jobseekers want is a position that does not clearly outline duties and expectations. So, be wary of postings that require you to “wear many hats”.

It is one thing to have a title that requires you to switch between teams and departments; it is quite another to have to perform extra tasks and fulfil other obligations without due compensation.

6. ‘Entrepreneurial spirit’

Often, this is code for “our staff will be expected to do things without guidance”. Similar to the above, a jobseeker may be saddled with work unrelated to their duties and responsibilities, and may not know how to complete them.

They are also likely to have to finish these tasks without proper compensation.

7. ‘Self-starter’

Like possessing an “entrepreneurial spirit”, this may also indicate that you will receive little to no instruction after starting work and will need to figure things out on your own.

While this is not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, not everyone is capable of working so independently. At the end of the day, it is always better for employees to be given guidelines so they can do their job well.

Meanwhile, some employers may even use this to mask subpar management – something most jobseekers find unacceptable.

8. ‘Proactive’

Like the previous two entries, the use of “proactive” in a job posting could well suggest the organisation has a “sink or swim” mentality that does not allow you to ask for help.

Subsequently, workers may be expected to handle problems without assistance, or even be mocked for acknowledging they are unable to complete a task without “hand holding”.

9. ‘Team player’

Even if being able to work well with others is a crucial part of a role, an employee who wishes to be a “team player” may find themselves acquiescing to avoid upsetting anyone, often at the expense of his or her own opinions or decisions.

Instead, employers should foster an atmosphere where staff feel valued and heard without having to worry about being shunned or isolated.

An employee who is constantly under pressure to agree and fit in may become resentful and eventually start to view their workplace as a dictatorship.

This article was originally written by Anisa Aznan for jobstore.com, an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.

Read more articles from Jobstore here.